How do I know if I should change my pillow?

Once pillows start to age, they no longer give your head and neck the support you need and they can also become very unhygienic. Here are some signs your pillow needs replacing:

Your pillow is discoloured. We lose up to a pint of sweat each night. This inevitably dirties and stains your pillow cover, and allows unhealthy bacteria to grow inside the filling.

You wake up with neck ache. It may be because your pillow has become flat or lumpy and no longer supports your neck as it should. It may also mean that you have the wrong pillow for your sleeping style.

You wake up wheezy or with a runny or blocked nose. You may be allergic to house dust mites living in your pillow. New pillows are dust mite-free.

Should I buy a firm pillow or a soft pillow?

How firm or soft your pillow feels depends on what it is filled with. In a natural pillow, firmness depends on the ratio of feather to down - feather being firm, down being soft, and the quality of the down - the larger the down cluster, the softer the feel of the pillow.

In a synthetic pillow, firmness depends on the amount of filling blown into the pillow - a higher amount gives firmer support.

Take your time choosing the pillow that will give you the right balance of support and comfort for the position you sleep in, your body shape and size, plus your personal preference. Everyone is different, and you and your partner may have different needs.

Do you sleep on your back or on your stomach? Then you will need one soft pillow (not too thick) that will offer support by gently moulding to the shape of your head and neck.

Do you sleep on your side? You will need one firmer pillow (or two pillows, depending on how broad your shoulders are) to keep your head supported and aligned with your spine. A firm bottom pillow and a soft top pillow might be a good choice.

Can I buy all these types of pillows at Spotlight?

Yes, Spotlight offers a broad range of pillows both online and in-store, at varying prices and from a number of suppliers, allowing you to choose shape, size, firmness, price and precise level of comfort that you require from your pillows. If you are undecided, or need further advice, our sales staff will be more than happy to assist you with your choice of pillows.

What are the benefits of memory foam pillows?

An increasingly large number of people are spending more time in front of their desks, in front of computers, or performing some form of labour that includes repetitive movements. If you regularly return home with back or neck ache, it may be worth trying a memory foam pillow. Memory foam is heat-sensitive and the way it moulds itself to your contours gives it the ability to cradle the head and neck, allowing you to relax your muscles more easily. The result can be a more restful nights sleep. Spotlight stocks a number of memory foam pillows including travel pillows and v-shaped pillows.

I suffer from allergies, what kind of pillow should I look for?

People who suffer from asthma, hay fever, skin allergies or breathing problems will benefit from choosing a hypoallergenic pillow. A hypoallergenic pillow is designed and produced with materials that minimize developing allergies or allergic reactions and is designed to repel dust mites, one of the leading causes of allergies. Hypoallergenic pillows are produced to be anti-microbial, allergy-free and toxin-free.